The Historical Buddha: The Times, Life and Teachings of the Founder of Buddhism

Buddhist Tradition Series

Book: 51

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No man has had a greater influence on the spiritual development of his people than Buddha. He developed a religious and moral teaching that, to this day, brings comfort and peace to all who practise it. Having immersed himself in the asceticism and self-deprivation prevalent among religious teachers, he saw that spiritual emancipation could be achieved only through the mind. His eightfold path for right living is a means to liberation from suffering and forms the basis of Buddhist humanism. This comprehensive biography examines the social, religious and political conditions that gave rise to Buddhism as we now know it. It explores the spiritual traditions from which Buddha broke away and places his teachings and influence in a thoroughly researched historical context.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR H.W. Schumann

H.W. Schumann studied Indology, comparative religions and social anthropology at Bonn University and earned his Ph.D. degree for a thesis on Buddhist philosophy. He lectured at the Hindu University in Benaras, India, joined the Foreign Services of the Federal Republic of Germany and served in consular and diplomatic capacities at the West German missions in Kolkata, Rangoon, Chicago and Colombo. He was Incharge of the India desk at the German Foreign Office and retired as the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Mumbai. Dr. Schumann who, during his twenty years in Asia, visited all the places related to the life of the Buddha, lectured on Buddhism at Bonn University. He is the author of nine books on Buddhism which were translated into five languages.